Effect of Yield Strength and Morphology of Spray-dried $Al_2O_3/15v/o ZrO_2$ Granules on the Compaction Behaviour

The densification of $Al_2$O$_3$/15v/o ZrO$_2$ (Zirconia Toughened Alumina: ZTA) to the 99% of theoretical density was attempted by controlling the processing parameters affecting the each processing step i.e., milling, spray-drying, forming and pressureless sintering. The ZTA processed under the identical conditions showed a large variation in the green and sintered densities, and the mechanical properties. The deviation of 4-point bending strength was more than 100MPa for the ZTA with ~99% of theoretical density. Moreover, the relative green and sintered densities were deviated greatly from the average value. This low reproducibility could be caused by the variation of spray-dried granule properties. Thus, the effect of yield strength and morphology of spray-dried ZTA granule on the green and sintered densities and the mechanical properties needs to be studied in detail. The objective of this work is to fine out the optimum condition of compaction pressure and compaction method depending on the properties of spray-dried granules.